There are a lot things to consider when choosing the type of learning environment that is best for your child. You’ve likely decided whether you’ll enroll your child in the neighborhood public school, a private school, or homeschool, but even among those choices there are more choices.
Private schooling isn’t one-size-fits all. Though cost and distance are important factors, they aren’t the only things to take into account when choosing the right private school for your child. We’ve researched three different types of faith-based private schools – Catholic, Non-Denominational Christian, and Classical Christian – and have unpacked what sets each apart to set you up to make the best decision for your child.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Academics: Many Catholic schools in Seattle follow education guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Seattle, so they will have similar education standards; however, St. Luke’s school follows an IB program and St. Benedict follows the Slingerland Method, which is a multi-sensory form of learning that assists students with dyslexia so that they can learn at the same rate (and with the same curriculum) as other students. Catholic schools also tend to start second-language classes in elementary school.
Student Life: Students have many opportunities to grow their personal interests at Catholic schools. Most Catholic schools participate in CYO Athletics, meaning they will have at least six sports (basketball, cross country, volleyball, baseball, track & field, and soccer), though others have more, especially in high school where students have the opportunity to play football or participate in wrestling or swim team, among many other sports.
Students also have the opportunity to join clubs in elementary school such as Chess Club, Robotics, Speech, Knitting Club, Drama, Band/Choir, or Lego Club. These vary by school.
Spiritual Life: The extent of spiritual life at each school varies greatly. In all the schools researched there is some form of Catholic faith education, though some say that faith is integrated in every part of their students’ education and others mention specific times for prayer and Mass and do not mention faith as an aspect included in other areas of learning. In each school, there is some kind of Catholic Faith Formation classes, daily prayer, and participation in liturgical events and Masses, though all of this is specific to the Catholic faith. Their classes are very specifically geared toward teaching the history, beliefs, and traditions of the Catholic Church.
With a Catholic education, students will be taught about the Catholic faith and they will have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities through their school. However, even among Catholic schools there are some variables that could be key to your child’s success in learning. Take note of the academic style and the after school activities to find the best fit for your child.
Schools Researched: St. Luke School, St. Pius X Catholic School, St Benedict Catholic School, Sacred Heart School, St. Thomas More Parish School
NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Academics: The range of academic styles varies between Christian schools, from college prep at King’s Schools to the Arrowsmith program at Heritage Christian Academy that assists students with learning difficulties. One thing they all have in common is the desire to incorporate Christian faith into every area of learning, whether that is in music, language, or mathematics.
Student Life: Christian schools are generally smaller in size and therefore do not have as many extracurricular activities. Of all the schools researched, athletic programs begin in middle school and there are no school-sponsored athletics for elementary-aged students. Students are encouraged to join Northwest Christian Sports League or other local community sports. Christian schools do, however, have optional band and choir groups, and many participate in academic competitions such as the National Spelling Bee, Math Olympiads, Science Fairs, and Chess Competitions.
Spiritual Life: When researching Christian schools, the most prominent attribute of each school was their focus on spiritual life and faith. It is not only important, but vital to Christian education that students study the life of Christ, the Bible, apologetics, and church history. Every school holds a weekly chapel or worship service, works on Bible memorization, and encourages participation in community service, as well as mission trips (some starting in elementary school). In addition, many schools have daily prayer or devotions in their classrooms, and others have student-led Bible studies (generally in middle school or high school).
The common denominator for Christian schools is their incorporation of faith in every aspect of learning. Due to small class sizes, you’ll need to look outside the school for sports and other extracurricular activities, but your child will have individualized attention in the classroom.
Schools Researched: Cedar Park Christian Schools, Renton Christian School, Shoreline Christian School, King’s Schools, Heritage Christian Academy
CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Academics: Academics set classical education apart. The classical approach was created by Greeks and Romans and was widely used throughout the world until the mid-1900’s, though classical educators believe that it is a “timeless philosophy of how to train up children to love learning,” (Cornerstone Academy). Among more familiar studies of writing, math, and history are the study of manners, wisdom and virtue, Latin, and cursive. You won’t find technology prevalent in the classroom (if at all) because their focus is on hands-on learning.
“The aim of Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue. Classical education approaches this goal through a three-stage process of learning called the Trivium. The three stages fit naturally with the development of a child. The early years are spent absorbing information, laying the foundations in every major area of study, and frequently relating one subject to another. The middle school years focus more on the why, on connecting all of the facts learned, going deeper into content, and on learning how to argue reasonably and persuasively. In the upper grades, students yearn to express themselves, so they are taught how to do this well with poise, beauty, and conviction. These three stages are called the grammar stage, the logic (or dialectic) stage, and the rhetoric stage,” (The Classical Approach, Seattle Classical Christian School).
Student Life: Of the Classical schools researched, there weren’t many that had extracurricular activities. There are a few clubs and academic competitions such as Math Olympiads and the Spelling Bee, but no athletics until middle school, if at all. What’s notable about student life at Classical schools is the school and family community. Families are very involved in their students’ success and in activities at the school. They are expected to participate. Students create community between older and younger grades. At some schools, they have a “buddy” program where upper elementary students mentor younger elementary students. High school students spend time with elementary students. Everyone is in community together.
Spiritual Life: Faith is interwoven into every aspect of learning. Students learn to look at every subject through a Biblical worldview. “They will hear God’s heartbeat in all that they learn,” (The Cor Deo School). Each Classical school has Bible and Christian education classes as well as Bible memorization and weekly chapel services.
Classical education has strong academics and community. Similar to Non-Classical Christian schools, you will need to look outside of school for most sports and extracurricular activities; however, Classical education has many other things you won’t find anywhere else, such as low-tech classrooms, training in Latin and cursive, and a strong community of parents and students of all ages.
Schools Researched: Providence Classical Christian School, Seattle Classical Christian School, Bear Creek School, The Cor Deo School, Cornerstone Academy
Would your child succeed where he/she can participate in activities with their school friends? Would it be better to be surrounded by people who have the same faith? There’s no right answer for everyone, only the right choice for you and your family. Each type of school has its strengths and weaknesses (and each school within each group is different), but what matters most is choosing the school where your child will thrive.
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